Running backs are a dime a dozen, right? The perceived notion has caused the position value to take a hit in recent seasons.
The Patriots now have to test that theory.
Patriots veteran running back Antonio Gibson reportedly tore his ACL in New England’s 23-20 victory against the Bills on Sunday night. He won’t return this season. The unfortunate development means starter Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson are now the only running backs on New England’s 53-man roster.
So, who could the Patriots add to the depth chart? We highlighted a handful of options including a pair of practice squad elevations, a trio of potential free agents as well as a few trade targets.
Practice squad elevations
Terrell Jennings, New England Patriots
Starting off hot, right?!
Vrabel wants to stick by those in the locker room. His reluctance to waiver on Stevenson and rookie kicker Andy Borregales are two examples. It makes an internal elevation feel like the most likely outcome after the Gibson injury. Jennings played three games for the Patriots last season (averaged 2.5 yard per touch) and New England wanted to keep working with him after training camp. Elevating Jennings would once again prove Vrabel’s willingness to reward those in the building.
JaMycal Hasty, Miami Dolphins
This might be the most likely of any external option. Because it’s not all that external.
Hasty spent the last two seasons with the Patriots, including training camp under Vrabel’s new regime. The 29-year-old was released ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown and signed with the Dolphins practice squad. He hasn’t played in a regular season game for the ‘Fins yet, though. And that’s after he played 15 games for the Patriots last season highlighted by his special teams contributions (averaged 24 yards per kick return). Gibson was New England’s top kick returner before his injury.
Potential free agents
Zack Moss
Moss might be the best running back available on the open market. The 27-year-old, who’s played for four teams in five seasons, represented the Bengals last season. He was the top backup to Bengals starting running back Chase Brown. Moss racked up 74 carries for 242 yards and two rushing touchdowns while he caught 23 of the 27 balls thrown his way. Almost half of those receptions helped the Bengals reset the chains.
Gus Edwards
Edwards was released by the Chargers in March and did not take part in any team’s training camp. The 30-year-old missed five games last season due to an ankle injury. Serving as the top backup to J.K. Dobbins, he started six games alongside quarterback Justin Herbert. Edwards averaged 3.6 yards per carry on 10 attempts per game.
Jamaal Williams
The 30-year-old Williams spent time with the Bears this summer, but remains available on the open market. He was released by the Saints in March. The eight-year veteran totaled 1,000 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022. He didn’t have as much success during his last two seasons in New Orleans, though.
Less realistic, but exciting trade targets
Nick Chubb, Houston Texans
The four-time Pro Bowler started the season playing 50 percent of offensive snaps. However, since the emergence of Woody Marks, Chubb’s workload has taken a hit. He played a season-low 34 percent of offensive snaps in Week 5. Joe Mixon is eligible to return, but reports have indicated it might be a bit longer for the veteran ballcarrier, who’s been sidelined due to a foot injury. Chubb is on a cheap one-year contract.
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns
The Browns have a crowded running back room, but it’s clear rookie Quinshon Judkins has taken over the top spot on the depth chart. Ford, who’s been limited to 27 percent and 37 percent of offensive snaps the last two weeks, is sandwiched between Judkins and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson. The fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is playing on an expiring contract on a team that won’t be competing in the postseason. He’s capable as a runner (4.3 yards per carry on 334 career attempts) and pass-catcher (81 receptions during the 2023 and 2024 campaigns).
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens
Wouldn’t it be nice to trade for a Ravens running back? Sure would. But the chance of that Ravens running back is too far-fetched. Hill, on the other hand, has proven himself to be a viable depth option to Derrick Henry. Based on the fact he played a season-low 30 percent of snaps in Week 5, and is playing on a two-year, $6 million deal, he’s more likely to be available. Especially with Baltimore spiraling.
